Reliable Testing to Ensure Strength, Durability, and Performance Under Real-World Conditions
At METS Lab, we offer a full suite of mechanical testing services to evaluate the physical performance of packaging materials and products. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, puncture durability, and impact performance are critical to ensuring that packaging can withstand the rigors of manufacturing, filling, transportation, storage, and end-user handling.
Whether you’re developing new packaging, troubleshooting a failure, or verifying compliance with global standards, our tests help ensure your packaging maintains its integrity and protects the product inside.
Why Mechanical Testing is Important
Packaging serves more than just an aesthetic function—it’s your product’s first line of defense. Failures in mechanical strength can result in:
- Product leakage or damage
- Shelf-life reduction
- Customer dissatisfaction
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Increased returns and operational costs
Mechanical testing helps identify weaknesses in material design or production processes and ensures packaging can perform under physical stress.
Key Mechanical Tests Offered at METS Lab
Tensile Strength (ASTM D638 / ISO 527)
Tensile testing measures the force required to pull a material until it breaks. This test helps determine material strength, elasticity, and overall performance during stretching or tensioning—vital for films, pouches, and flexible packaging.
Elongation at Break
This test, often performed alongside tensile testing, determines how much a material can stretch before it breaks. High elongation values indicate ductility and flexibility, which are essential for applications requiring bendable or stretchable packaging.
Tear Resistance (ASTM D1004)
Tear testing measures a material’s resistance to propagation of an existing cut or defect. It is especially important for bags, films, and pouches where accidental tears can compromise the entire package.
Puncture Resistance (ASTM F1306)
This test evaluates how much force is needed to puncture a material. It simulates real-world threats such as sharp corners or dropped objects and is critical for packaging that will encounter dynamic loads or mechanical abuse.
Impact Resistance / Drop Testing (ASTM D5276)
Drop tests simulate the impact of a packaged product being dropped from specific heights during handling and transportation. This test helps validate protective features of cartons, rigid containers, and secondary packaging.
Compression and Burst Strength
These tests assess how much vertical load or internal pressure packaging can endure before collapsing or bursting. They’re crucial for stacked packaging (boxes, bottles) and for pressure-sensitive products like liquids or aerosols.
Coefficient of Friction (ASTM D1894)
This test evaluates the slip characteristics of film surfaces. Too much or too little slip can affect machine handling, stacking, and stability during transport.